Before installing a standby generator, you must obtain a "job number" from the Bay Area Air District. You must provide this job number with the building permit application. While you may prepare and submit your building permit application while waiting for this job number, note that we will not issue the building permit without this job number. 

Visit www.baaqmd.gov/permits/asbestos

For assistance
Call BAAQMD at 415-749-4900

The Planning Division will review your plans and will determine if your project qualifies for an administrative permit. If it does, you will be asked to complete the Backup/Standby Generator Facility Permit Application. 

The plans submitted through the Building Division's Standard Plan Review Service will be routed to the Planning Division for review. See "How to Apply." The clearance from Planning and any requirements for an administrative permit must be met before a building permit will be issued.

For assistance
Call 408-535-3555 during Planning’s phone service hours and ask to speak with a Planner.

The plans submitted through the Standard Plan Review Service (see "How to Apply") will be routed to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for their review.

For the Fire Review, ensure that the plans contain the following information:

Specifications – List generator, tank type and size, fuel type, listing number and agency, and any special requirements.

• Provide HazMat Inventory on the Building Occupancy Classification Inventory Form with maximum volume of tank and containment
• Calculations for emergency and standby at 100% loads for generator low fuel setting for at least minimum durations per CFC Chapter 12
• Piping plan for fill and return
• UL 142 or UL 2085 tank specification

Site Plan – Show:

• Location/use of generator and tank.
• Neighboring structures including use and square footage
• Setbacks from property lines
• Occupancy/s and separation (clearly show generator separation from buildings, public right of ways, and property lines)
• Parking protection and security, as applicable
• Location for fueling truck parking, as applicable

Floor Plan - Show:

• Anchorage
• Exiting and required clearances
• Occupancy
• Fire-rated walls
• Ventilation
• Exit door, frame and hardware
• Exiting pathways and signage
• Fire protection system and alarms

For Hazmat System 60+ gallons requiring Hazardous Materials Storage System Permits from Fire Dept. Show:

• Double containment piping plans with fill and return, ventilation, and specifications
• UL Listings and generator and tank specifications
• Emergency venting calculations
• Monitoring and overfill prevention and specifications
• Updated HazMat Inventory on the Building Occupancy Classification Inventory Form
• Provide a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)
• Label details for tanks and piping per National Fire Protection Association codes and standards. Show 12-foot high exhaust and separations of ventilation and openings.

For additional guidance - Read the Diesel Fuel Tank Guidelines and comply with Chapter 6 of CFC for Indoor Quantity Fuel Limits and UL listing requirements and Chapter 57 CFC for other requirements.

Forms listed here are available at at unidocs.org, a website for Santa Clara County fire agencies.

For assistance from Fire Prevention
Call 408-535-7750, M-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For the submittal, see “Prepare the Permit Application Package.”

This service uses online platforms. You will first apply at SJPermits and then upload documents through SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

We look forward to serving you.